Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center

Veteran Carl Uhlbeck is being fitted with a head mouse for his new speech generating communication device.

Last spring, OGJVAMC began its first specialty clinic that focused on alternative augmentative communication.  Two Veterans were assessed and fitted with high-tech speech generating communication devices that allow them to verbally communicate clearly to others despite their inability to speak.  “These devices not only allow individuals to communicate face-to-face with family, caregivers and others,” said Jim Zeigler, Chief of  Rehabilitation Services, “They can feature technologies enabling the Veteran to answer the phone; access the internet; and turn on and off lights, televisions, and computers.” 

Veteran Carl Uhlbeck has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which is one of the neurological conditions or diseases that impair communication and swallowing abilities.  “These diseases progress in a rapid fashion or have a sudden onset, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury, which drastically changes a person’s ability to speak,” said Zeigler. 

The VA speech-pathology and prosthetics programs work in unison to assess, provide and maintain computerized high-tech devices that are designed to capitalize upon each Veteran’s  individual ability level and to plan for the future.  Devices that feature the use of touch initially are appropriate.  However, as the individual’s muscular strength and coordination are reduced, technological innovations, such as head mouse and eye gaze are applied to trigger a human-sounding voice by running a mouse over a picture, word or phrase on the device.  Methods such as eye blinking or holding a cursor for a prescribed duration over a chosen message icon add to the flexibility.  During his appointment, Uhlbeck was fitted with a communications device that uses a head mouse placed on his forehead and directed by moving his head. 

Veteran Sandra Borden contracted viral Encephalitis while in the Navy, which severely impacted her ability to speak.  When asked how communicating would be easier now, she replied through her new device, “You can put in routine phrases and only need to press once.”  “Pre-stored phrases and messages are particularly good for phone conversations” said Zeigler.  The devices Borden and Uhlbeck are using also have a core vocabulary already preprogrammed with word predictor capability.  “We are working on getting the word out to Veterans of these advances in technology, so that their quality of life will improve,” said Zeigler.